Schools need to teach children about the trade union principles of solidarity and collective action and equip them to uphold their rights as workers, Jeremy Corbyn will say today.

Addressing the Durham Miners Gala, the largest celebration of working-class culture in the UK, the Labour Leader will say many of the things we now take for granted, like weekends and holidays, have only been won by people coming together to demand change.

Labour believes strengthening the role of trade unions will help reverse the sharp decline over the last four decades in the share of national income going to wages, and the rise in insecure work, low pay and worsening terms and conditions.

In his speech at the Gala, Jeremy Corbyn will say:

“We know that power in society, and in our workplaces, has become concentrated in the hands of a few, at the expense of everybody else. But history shows those at the top have never conceded anything, without it being demanded from people below – things we all enjoy but now take for granted, like weekends and paid holidays.

“For too long, trade unions have been marginalised, vilified and undermined, and workers have lost out, while more and more money lines the pockets of shareholders. The next Labour government will restore trade union rights, but we need to also make sure young people learn about the principles of solidarity and collective action.

“Children should not only learn about trade unions and their rights at work but should be fully equipped to exercise and develop those rights. Schools need to teach these values and together we can, and will, transform society so it works for the many, not the few.”